A&M International Hosts Annual "Roundball on the Rio" August 1-2

It's that time again--time to put a team together for Laredo's 7th annual "Roundball on the Rio," a 3-on-3 street basketball tournament benefiting the Texas Special Olympics.

The event will be held at Texas A&M International University on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2.

Dr. Charles Jennett, president of A&M International, said the University is proud to host such a worthy event.

"Last year, A&M International was asked to host "Roundball on the Rio" and what an honor it was for us. Now, for the second year in a row, we were asked to host the event again--an invitation that we quickly accepted. We're glad to help this organization because we know they help this community," explained Dr. Jennett.

The two-day tournament will feature competition in the following divisions: men's open, men's under 18, men's over 40, women's open, women's under 18, corporate, college/intramural, media, church, sponsor, unified, military, wheelchair, and Special Olympics.

Entry forms are available at A&M International, all local Wendy's restaurants, FM 98 and Z-93 radio stations, and International Bank of Commerce-Banquito Del Mar. Entry forms may also be obtained by fax by calling the local office of the Texas Special Olympics at (956) 763-5093, (956) 794-3230, or (956) 794-5675.

Entry fee is $80 per team. Entry forms and fees should be submitted to the IBC Banquito Del Mar by Monday, July 27. Fees may be paid by cash, check or money order.

Entries submitted on the first day of the tournament will only by accepted on a space available basis.

Maribel Santoya, Texas Special Olympics area director, encourages teams to register early.

"Last year we had over 200 teams participate and this year's event promises to be bigger and better. Teams should therefore register early to insure a spot in the tournament," said Santoya.

Registered teams should report to the A&M International campus, to the Kinesiology/Convocation Building, on Friday, July 31 at 6 p.m. to pick up bracketing schedules, T-shirts, and goody bags.

Play will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 1 on the concrete parking lot adjacent to the Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

Bleachers and tents will be set up for spectators, and water stations will be located adjacent to the playing area. Food and refreshments will be sold.

The tournament will culminate on Sunday, August 2 at 3:30 p.m. with an award ceremony. Trophies will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place.

Roundball on the Rio is sponsored by Texas A&M International University, International Bank of Commerce, Wendy's, Coca Cola Bottling Co. Inc., Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems, Standard Register. Mercy Health System of Texas, Mercy Regional Medical Center, Laredo Medical Group, Mercy Health Plans, FM 98, Guerra Communications, Z-93, Fiesta Fun Ice, Lighthouse Water Stations, Texas National Guard, Howard Johnson by the Rio Hotel, O'Boy Service Company, and Fiesta Housing.

For more information on Roundball on the Rio, please call the local office of the Texas Special Olympics at (956) 763-5093, (956) 794-3230, or (956) 794-5675. Office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu